i am a big supporter for onboard VGA card user. really, if you are not going to play hardcore 3D games. there is NO NEED to get graphic card. the motherboard price is almost the same. so, it's a free VGA, why not?

the onboard graphic has come a long way.. if 2 years ago, i wouldn't recommend onboard. but right now, on board is faster and better. for example, the new Intel 915G is almost THE same as ATI 9000 card. and ATI is going to release a RS400 series which is based on 9600pro core. full directX9.0 support.

there are few ways to save money, you can get mATX motherboard.. which is usually cheaper than ATX. the motherboard is smaller, usually only has 3 pci instead of 5. buy WHO really need all 5 PCI??

so.. my suggestion is onboard everything.. only get CPU, RAM, Motherboard. use case power supply if you are not overclocking. with everything onboard, you only need around 150-200W. and every power supply today can do that without any problem.

in addition, personally, i like P4 with HT better than K7 or K8 right now. i think the HT function of P4 is great. it really make using experience a lot smoother, if you are doing more than one thing at a time. although benchmark shows K8 is faster.. but the using experience is better with P4 HT.